Hospice for Heroes featured in Georgia Mountain Laurel

We are proud to share a great feature on our Hiawassee office and Regency’s Hospice for Heroes Veterans Program in the November edition of the Georgia Mountain Laurel. We’re thankful for Tracy McCoy’s time and commitment to this article. You can read the article below and also check out the entire issue here.

Regency Hospice: Hospice for Heroes

By: Tracy McCoy

Webster defines hero as one who shows great courage; one endowed with great strength or ability. Perhaps it could be better summed up using two words – American Soldier. When the end of life comes for our American Heroes who will care for them? Regency Hospice is honored to do so. 1 in 4 Americans is a veteran and caring for them is a privilege. All of the volunteers at Regency Hospice are well trained but those who volunteer in Regency’s Hospice for Heroes program have completed additional training. In this program volunteers are veterans themselves caring for other veterans.

Recently 30 motorcyclists rode in the first Hospice for Heroes Motorcycle Ride to raise money to feed Rabun County veterans at the Annual Veterans’ Appreciation Dinner being held November 11, 2011 at the Rabun County Civic Center. The dinner is open to over 300 veterans and guests who attend each year. Hosted by the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce and co-sponsored this year by Regency Hospice, this event offers thanks to the men and women who have served our great country in years past; it serves in memory of those who have gone on or who lost their lives in battle. The motorcycle ride was a great success as riders traveled 100 miles and raised a significant amount of money to help pay the expenses of the event. The Veterans’ Appreciation Dinner is expected to cost $11,000 this year.

Some of the riders at the Hospice for Heroes Motorcycle Ride in Hiawassee.

Hospice for Heroes has made it possible for our soldiers, our heroes, to die with dignity and honor. Hospice patients can be in the hospice program from days to months and often times Regency Hospice has the opportunity to help the veteran find closure. One such  event was shared with me by Regency Hospice Care Consultant Robin Watts. The veteran had served in World War II and he shared how he should have been given a medal for his service. Somehow that had been overlooked. In checking on that with the VA, Regency social workers determined that more than one medal was in order for this veteran. He was told that they would be awarding him the one medal he was due to receive for his service and he was thrilled. When the day came and the serviceman came to award this hero with his medal, he was awarded not one but 6 medals, all earned in his service to America. The ceremony was shared by family and friends and allowed this man to find closure on this
matter and receive much deserved recognition for his service.

The Hospice for Heroes program cares for veterans and provides support for their loved ones. Hospice is not only for cancer but for any life liminting illness which, if the disease
progresses as usual, may take the life of the person within 6 months. As long as the patient meets the requirements of hospice, they will be served even if that period extends beyond 6 months. For veterans, the hospice philosophy of care is significant. Regency Hospice treats the whole person physically, emotionally and spiritually and supports the caregivers and friends through counseling, community resources and an understanding of the special needs of caregivers.

For veterans it is a special time to honor the life of one who may not have received the recognition of their contribution to our freedom. They have served us and now they deserve to face the end of their life in the care of people who honor and respect them. To hold a veteran’s hand when he/she leaves this world is without a doubt one of life’s most humbling experiences. For more information on the Hospice for Heroes program visit www.regencyhospice.com and click the Veterans tab or call 1.800.577.8791.